| Interesting map of the planned routes at the link. |
Egypt presents a unique case. From China’s perspective there was never any question over whether or not to include Egypt. It would be almost impossible to bypass the Suez Canal in the network of overland and maritime routes connecting China with the world, and Egypt lies at the intersection of many of the regions ‐ the Middle East, Europe, Africa ‐ covered by the initiative.
Egypt has clearly indicated to Beijing that it is interested in the initiative and has no misgivings about joining it. Egypt’s willingness to become a founding member of the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and its senior-level participation in the first and second Belt and Road summit forums (May 2017 and April 2019) are testimony to this. Egypt could not have responded so positively had it not possessed a stable economy, a successful economic and fiscal reform programme, a reform process generating a healthier business and investment environment and balanced relations with all international powers.